Name: Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies for Sweetheart Moments
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted Kerrygold butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar (essential for a delicate crumb); 2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended); 1 cup maraschino cherries (finely chopped and dried); 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (reserve from the jar); 1 teaspoon baking powder (for light texture); 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances sweetness); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; few drops red food coloring (optional for color); 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (adds unique flavor); 24 pieces chocolate kisses (chilled before use)

Love is in the air, and this year, I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day with a sweet twist! These Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and a delightful cherry surprise, topped off with a creamy chocolate kiss that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special someone or treating yourself, the fun in the kitchen is just as sweet as the result. Plus, they come together in under an hour, making them an easy go-to for any celebration. Trust me; you’ll fall head over heels for the charming pop of cherry flavor! Ready to spread the love? Let’s get baking!

Why are These Cherry Cookies a Must-Bake?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie dough and sweet maraschino cherries creates a flavor explosion that is simply delightful.

Easy to Make: With a prep time of under an hour, these cookies are perfect for busy bakers and last-minute celebrations.

Visual Appeal: Bright, festive colors make these cookies show-stoppers on any dessert table, ideal for Valentine’s gatherings or just because!

Versatile Treats: Feel free to experiment by using dried cherries or different chocolates as toppings to suit your taste.

Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends, making them a popular choice for sharing with loved ones.

If you enjoy cookie recipes like these, check out my Christmas Cookies Butterscotch or Kiss Chocolate Cookies for more delightful treats!

Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Ingredients

• Create a sweet surprise with these cherry cookies that are a love-filled treat!

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Use unsalted Kerrygold butter for rich flavor and moisture.
Powdered Sugar – Essential for a delicate crumb and sweet finish in these Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies.
Flour – Opt for King Arthur all-purpose flour to ensure the right texture and structure.
Maraschino Cherries – Finely chop and pat dry to avoid moisture and beautifully pop with color.
Maraschino Cherry Juice – Reserve from the jar to enhance the cherry flavor in the dough.
Baking Powder – Helps achieve that light, fluffy texture we love in cookies.
Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness perfectly.
Vanilla Extract – Infuses a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cherries.
Red Food Coloring – Optional for those wanting a vibrant, festive look.
Almond Extract – Adds a unique and fragrant twist to the flavor profile.

For the Topping

Chocolate Kisses – Make sure these are chilled so they hold their shape when pressed into the warm cookies.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly. This setup is essential for your Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies, ensuring they come out perfectly golden and ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Chop and Chill
Finely chop the maraschino cherries and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy cookies. While you prepare the dough, take the chocolate kisses and chill them in the refrigerator; this helps them hold their shape when pressed into the warm cookies later on.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted Kerrygold butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 2-3 minutes. You should see a pale, aerated texture forming. This step is key for achieving the soft, tender crumb characteristic of your Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavors
Add in the reserved cherry juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and a few drops of red food coloring if desired. Mix everything on low speed until fully combined, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Your cookie dough will begin to take on a vibrant color and delightful aroma at this stage.

Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add 2 cups of flour to the mixing bowl, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Then, gently fold in the chopped cherries along with an additional ½ cup of flour to ensure even distribution. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together well. This mixture makes up the heart of your Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies!

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for 10 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much. While the dough chills, you can enjoy the sweet aroma that will fill your kitchen.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
After chilling, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. This ensure proper baking without overcrowding. The shape you create now will lead to perfectly round, delightful-shaped Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You want them set but still with soft centers, so keep an eye on them. They should look slightly golden around the edges while remaining softer in the middle. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 9: Add the Chocolate Kisses
Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, press a chilled chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. This helps the chocolate melt just enough to adhere to your cookie without losing its shape. The contrast of the warm cookie and the cool chocolate is what makes these Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies a treat!

Step 10: Cool and Set
Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This lets them firm up slightly so that they can hold their shape as they cool. The waiting game builds anticipation for these delightful cherry cookies!

Step 11: Final Chill
Finally, refrigerate the cookies for about 10 minutes to fully set the chocolate kisses on top. This last step helps ensure your cookies present beautifully and the chocolate doesn’t smudge. Once set, your Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Expert Tips for Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Chop Carefully: Ensure maraschino cherries are finely chopped and thoroughly dried. Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies, so pat them dry before use.
Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the 10-minute chilling step! It helps the dough maintain its shape during baking, resulting in perfectly formed cookies.
Press at the Right Time: Press the chocolate kisses into the cookies immediately after they’re out of the oven. Timing is key to ensure they melt just enough to adhere without losing shape.
Room Temperature Butter: Use room-temperature butter for optimal mixing. It helps create a light and fluffy texture, essential for the Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies.
Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking. They should be set with soft centers; overbaking will lead to a dry result.
Variations Galore: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like white chocolate or nuts, adding a personal touch to these delightful cookies!

How to Store and Freeze Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help them stay soft and flavorful.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies later, briefly reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until just warm—this revives that fresh-baked taste, especially for your Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies!

Baked Cookie Freezing: If you’ve baked the cookies, consider adding chocolate kisses after thawing for optimal appearance and shape. Store in a single layer in airtight containers to avoid sticking.

Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine with these sweet twists on your cherry cookie creation!

Dried Fruit: Substitute maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a chewier texture and a tart bite that adds depth to your cookies.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch. Not only do they enhance the texture, but they also infuse a rich flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
Chocolate Change-Up: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of chocolate kisses for a new flavor profile that will please any chocolate lover’s palate.
Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical touch that pairs wonderfully with the cherry sweetness. Each bite will transport you to a sunny paradise!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice things up. This addition brings warmth and a hint of complexity to your cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Choose Your Extract: Swap out the almond extract for coconut or hazelnut extract to create unique flavored cookies. Each extract introduces its own lovely aroma and taste.
Fruity Fusion: Mix in a splash of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors. The citrus notes will elevate the cookie, making it refreshing and irresistible.

If you’re looking for more delightful baking experiences, don’t miss out on my delicious Kiss Chocolate Cookies or the hearty Beef Bourguignon Savory recipes! Happy baking!

What to Serve with Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies

Indulge your senses and elevate any occasion with delightful pairings that perfectly complement these charming cookies.

Cold Milk: The classic choice! Cool, creamy milk balances the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the cherry flavor.
Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with rich hot cocoa, adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth that pairs marvelously with your cherry cookies.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent treats mirror the cherry flavor while introducing a playful texture, perfect for a romantic platter.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and sweet, this treat provides a delightful contrast to the chewy cookies, creating a luscious dessert experience.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing bubbles and a splash of citrus cleanse the palate and enhance the vibrant cherry notes in the cookies.
Rose Tea: The floral notes of rose tea harmonize with the cherry flavor, providing an elegant pairing to make your dessert feel special.
Chocolate Fondue: For an interactive sweet treat, serve with chocolate fondue and fresh fruit for dipping, creating a romantic dessert spread.
Sweet Wine: A glass of sweet white or rosé wine complements the cherry sweetness, making the whole experience feel even more luxurious.
Red Velvet Cupcakes: Keep the festive spirit alive! These cupcakes echo the vibrant cherry hue and offer a delightful contrast in textures.
Cheesecake Bites: Creamy bites of cheesecake pair perfectly, adding a rich, tangy balance that accentuates the cherry goodness.

Make Ahead Options

These Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following steps 1-6, then refrigerate it. For even longer storage, scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls and freeze for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw them for about 30 minutes before baking. Keep the chocolate kisses chilled separately until you’re ready to press them into the warm cookies after baking. Simply bake, add the kisses, and let them cool, and you’ll be serving delightful, home-baked cookies that will impress your loved ones!

Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of maraschino cherries should I use?
Absolutely! Make sure to use high-quality maraschino cherries for the best flavor and visual appeal. I recommend choosing a brand that lists fruit as the first ingredient. Always finely chop and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which can lead to soggy cookies.

How should I store my cherry cookies?
To keep your Best Valentine’s Day Cherry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen unbaked as dough balls for up to 3 months—just add a minute or two to the baking time when you’re ready to bake!

Can I freeze the dough or the baked cookies?
Yes, indeed! For the dough, scoop the unbaked cookie balls onto a baking sheet and freeze them until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes. For baked cookies, you can store them in a single layer in an airtight container, and consider adding chocolate kisses after thawing to maintain their lovely appearance.

What if my cookies come out too dry or crumbly?
Very! If you accidentally overbake your cookies, they can dry out. Ensure you keep an eye on the bake time and take them out when they are set but still soft in the center. If your dough seems crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of milk or cherry juice to bring it together before shaping into balls.

Are there any allergy considerations with these cookies?
I often make these cookies with care! While the recipe does not include common allergens like nuts, always double-check the ingredients for any potential traces, especially with the chocolate kisses. If you’re baking for someone with allergies, you could also consider using allergy-friendly chocolate or omitting the toppings altogether.

Can I substitute the almond extract in the recipe?
Absolutely! If almond extract is something you’d prefer to skip, you can replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for additional flavor. Alternatively, if you enjoy another nut-based flavor, a few drops of hazelnut extract can add a lovely twist!